Blood pressure monitored successfully in ‘space-like’ conditions
A Cambridge-Korea initiative showed that blood pressure monitoring using a device from Seoul-base Sky Labs worked in space-like conditions. Researchers from the University of Cambridge operated in collaboration with the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences( IIAS) in the experiment.
The Cambridge University research team evaluated Sky Labs' ring-shaped device CART BP, in which continuous blood pressure monitoring is measured without a cuff, as part of a project to not only assess the feasibility of measurement of BP in this environment, but also to explore women's health initiatives.
The IIAS-02 mission took place in a microgravity environment generated during parabolic flight, where apparent gravity approaches zero following a steep aircraft ascent.
Experimental results confirmed that 'CART BP' successfully collected reliable blood pressure data continuously even in microgravity. This demonstrated the potential for 'CART BP' to stably measure blood pressure even under conditions similar to space.
Jack Byunghwan Lee, CEO of healthcare startup Sky Labs, said, "We are pleased that CART BP's blood pressure monitoring technology has been recognised through significant experiments conducted in a unique environment. We will continue to actively participate in a broad range of research initiatives to drive further technological development."
A spokesperson for the Cambridge research team added: "This study would not have been possible without CART BP. The participating astronauts, Norah Patten and Dr. Shawna Pandya, were impressed with how the device was so convenient, simple and easy to use."
The project, which took place at the National Research Council of Canada in Ottawa, formed part of a larger project on women's health in space.
Founded in September 2015, Sky Labs is a leading healthcare startup that developed CART (Cardio Tracker), a ring-shaped medical device designed for disease monitoring using heart signals collected through optical sensors.
Following this, the company developed CART BP, a cuffless device that enables continuous 24-hour blood pressure monitoring, providing valuable treatment information and making a groundbreaking contribution to improving the quality of life for hypertension patients.
Sky Labs has signed an exclusive domestic distribution agreement for CART BP with South Korea's Daewoong Pharmaceutical and is preparing for nationwide sales to hospitals, clinics, and general consumers.
• PHOTOGRAPH: Norah Patton (centre, IIAS astronaut) wearing the ‘CART BP’ device, alongside Giselle J. Bentley (left, Cambridge University researcher) and Dr. Bernadette Jenner (right, Cambridge University researcher) after the flight. Courtesy – Sky Labs.